Harvard President Claudine Gay Receives Support Amid Calls for Resignation

Cambridge, Mass. – Hundreds of university faculty members, hundreds of Black alumni, and the executive committee of Harvard University’s alumni association have expressed their support for embattled Harvard President Claudine Gay.

Growing Calls for Resignation

Gay is facing growing calls to resign following her testimony on antisemitism on Capitol Hill last week. However, as of Monday, more than 700 faculty members had signed a petition to keep her in her position.

Additionally, over 800 Black alumni have announced their backing of Gay.

Unanimous Support from Alumni Association

The alumni association’s executive committee has expressed its unanimous support for Gay in a letter to school officials. The committee stated that President Gay is the right leader to guide the University during this challenging time, emphasizing her thoughtfulness, kindness, and dedication to the growth and wellbeing of the diverse community.

“People are mad,” said Dr. Sarah Johnstone, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School. “If they fire her, Harvard faculty may leave.”

Dr. Johnstone further discussed the faculty letter backing Gay, stating that it represents opposition to outside interests making significant decisions at Harvard.

Testimony on Antisemitism

Gay testified in Congress last week alongside the presidents of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Pennsylvania in a hearing about antisemitism on college campuses. During the hearing, Gay struggled to answer questions about Harvard’s code of conduct in relation to calls for genocide against Jewish people.

Apology and Calls for Resignation

Gay has since apologized, but at least 70 members of Congress, major donors, and prominent leaders have called for her resignation.

Concerns of Antisemitism on Campus

Harvard Hillel rabbi Getzel Davis highlighted the problem of antisemitism on campus, stating that Jewish students at Harvard feel intimidated, harassed, and isolated. Davis emphasized that the culture on campus is much bigger than one person, including the president.

Faculty Letter Urges Defense of Academic Freedom

The signed faculty letter supporting Gay was addressed to the president and fellows of Harvard College. The letter urged officials to defend the independence of the university and resist political pressures that contradict Harvard’s commitment to academic freedom.

The letter emphasized that the critical work of defending a culture of free inquiry in the diverse community cannot proceed if its shape is dictated by outside forces.

Harvard’s Governing Board Meeting

Harvard’s governing board met again on Monday after previously meeting over the weekend. As of 5 p.m., there was no update on any decision related to President Gay.

7NEWS reached out to Harvard for further information but did not receive an immediate response.

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